UPDATE - Shingles

So, if you were following yesterday, there is a woman in my office with SHINGLES. I am 8 months pg & my co-worker is getting married next weekend & we are both FREAKING OUT b/c they won't send her home!!!!! I said that I would call in sick if they didn't send her home & they said that 'sick days are for sick people. You're not sick.'

So, here's the letter I wrote to HR today. I sent it 2 hours ago & I haven't heard a peep. The HR lady's door is closed & she has been on the phone....
_______________________________________

As I follow up to our conversation yesterday regarding Judy’s case of the shingles, I spoke to my doctor at length this morning because I am very concerned. He confirmed what I feared: that it is extremely dangerous for pregnant women to be exposed to the shingles. He explained to me that while she may not be a risk to the general public, my risk as a pregnant woman is still very high Since Judy is not his patient, he said he could not say for sure what stage she was in but the virus that she is carrying can be fatal to my pregnancy. He recommended that I not come to work to be safe. Obviously, I came in as Doug needs me but I am still very worried and uncomfortable being here.

I mentioned this to you and Jenn yesterday and I was disheartened and dissatisfied with your replies. This is a very serious issue and I need for it to be addressed.

My doctor and I came up with an idea that should suit all parties: I ask that Judy please get a note from her doctor stating that she is allowed to come to work “without restrictions” and stating in no uncertain terms that she is allowed to be near pregnant women. My doctor said viewing this note is within my rights and will not hinder on her HIPPO rights and that this is common practice. All she needs to do is place a phone call to her doctor’s office and have it faxed over. This should not be a major inconvenience. I will feel much better once I have seen this note.

This is obviously nothing personal against Judy. Please know that I think she is a lovely woman and I do not think she would purposely put me in danger. However, my safety must come first and I am looking to you for your support.

I thank you in advance for your cooperation,

good note, I hope it works out for your and your baby!!

omg!!! i cannot believe that. i hope they do the right thing. i would be livid.

are you F^CKING KIDDING ME?!?!?!?!?! what the hello is wrong with people?

You are a brave woman. Can you wear a mask? WOuld that help?

I hope your fabulous letter gets through to those that read it.

I'm so glad you're sticking up for yourself, despite the dissatisfactory response you've gotten up til now!! That is shameful!!!!

Just two things: it's HIPAA

and you might want to clarify that her doctor should *evaluate* whether or not she should be allowed to work without restrictions.

(That may or may not be important in the context of the letter, but I thought I would mention it.)

Good luck!

The letter is great but change HIPPO to HIPAA!

Can you get a note from your own doctor to confirm that you should not be exposed to shingles. I know it's obvious but I don't see how that can make continue this if you do have a doctor's note.

Howling.... I love that I wrote HIPPO instead of Hippa. Gotta love spell check! WHOOPS!!!

As an update, they have told SHingles Lady to stay away from me & they said they have asked her to get a note. She said she's going to the Dr tomorrow at 4:30 & will get one. I said 'NOPE - TODAY or I leave.' I am waiting to see what happens....

Wow, I hope everything worked out alright. When I was pregnant I worked with someone who had fifths disease! I was so worried and everything turned out o.k.

Let us know what happens.